Ibrahim

What does Ibrahim mean?

Ibrahim is the Arabic form of Abraham, the figure honored in Jewish, Christian and Islamic traditions; ‘father of many’ is the traditional interpretation attached to Abraham, not an independent Arabic noun meaning. Wiktionary traces the Arabic name through Aramaic and records both the prophet and the given name. The name also titles the fourteenth sura of the Quran, giving it a direct scriptural association in Arabic.

Source: Wiktionary, إبراهيم. How we use sources.

Spelling and pronunciation

إبراهيم is read ib-raa-heem; इब्राहीम is a Hindi rendering. Ibraheem makes the long final vowel explicit. Ebrahim reflects Persian and some Gujarati pronunciations. The name has three syllables, and the Arabic opening includes a brief glottal onset that Roman spelling usually leaves unmarked.

Also spelled Ibraheem, Ebrahim.

Ibrahim in tradition and story

Islam honors Ibrahim as a prophet and friend of God. He and Ismail are associated with the building of the Kaaba, and his willingness to sacrifice his son is commemorated at Eid al-Adha. He is the same figure known as Abraham in Jewish and Christian scripture.